Optimist Youth Football’s participation dropped by 44 percent in Boise and Meridian from 2011 to 2016. A key reason: Parents like Nick Anderson of Meridian are deciding the sport isn’t worth the risk. Anderson, who has officiated football games in the Treasure Valley for 10 years, says he won’t let his 11-year-old son play tackle football/Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman. More here.